The 1915 Astor Cup, held on October 9 at the Sheepshead Bay Speedway in Brooklyn, New York, was one of the most prestigious auto races of its era. Originally scheduled for October 2nd, the weather delayed event took place on a 2‑mile wooden board track and offered a massive purse of $50,000, equal to that of the Indianapolis 500 at the time. The race attracted top drivers from across the United States and Europe, including Ralph DePalma, Barney Oldfield, Eddie Rickenbacker, Dario Resta, Johnny Aitken, and Howdy Wilcox. Covering 175 laps for a total of 350 miles, the race tested both the speed and endurance of man and machine. Ultimately, Gil Andersen, driving a Stutz, claimed victory, completing the distance in 3 hours, 24 minutes, and 42 seconds with an average speed of 102.59 mph. Tom Rooney finished second in another Stutz, and Eddie O’Donnell took third in a Duesenberg. The event was not without tragedy — driver Harry Grant suffered fatal injuries in a practice crash shortly before the race. The 1915 Astor Cup showcased the excitement, danger, and growing popularity of early American motorsport, cementing its place as a landmark event in racing history.
